07.12.07 – By Andrew Wake: It may have escaped your attention but Ricky Hatton is not the only British fighter challenging for a world title on foreign soil this weekend.
In Basle, Switzerland, tomorrow night (8th December) 33 year old Birmingham puncher Wayne “Mad Dog” Elcock steps up in class against undefeated Germany-based Armenian “King” Arthur Abraham. The latter’s 160Ibs IBF title will be on the line.
Elcock, 18-2 (8), earned his chance when, against the odds, he conquered former British, European and Commonwealth champion Howard Eastman (a man who has also faced Abraham) by unanimous decision in late September. He acknowledges that he is the underdog again in this bout but does not feel this represents a serious problem.
He told regional newspaper, the Birmingham Mail: “Beating Eastman was obviously important but the win, and the way I did it, has made a huge difference to my confidence.
“I am going into this fight once again as the under-dog and fighting away from home. But I am used to that now.
“The big difference is beating Eastman. For instance, when I am out running in the morning all sorts of things go through my mind.
“One of them was that Abraham has a big knock-out punch, having won all of his fights and most of them inside the distance. His record is awesome and fearsome.
“Then I said to myself ‘hang on a minute. Eastman won 42 and knocked out 35 and I beat him comfortably. He was world-class. What am I worrying about? This is going to be a walk in the park’.
“Obviously it’s not. But I am up for it, ready for it and capable of winning it.”
The undercard sees another Englishman challenge for a championship as Brixton Heavyweight Danny Williams tackles Ukranian Oleg Platov for the IBF Inter-Continental strap.
Williams, who after being stopped by Audley Harrison last year, looked set to retire but stormed back in February when he halted Scott Gammer for the British title and should, due to his heavy hands and vast experience, have too much for the relatively untested Platov.
Another interesting match up sees Italian super middleweight and former WBC title challenger Cristian Sanavia defend his European crown to Germany’s Danilo Haussler.