The war of words ahead of the “Battle of Brum” is over…well almost over. Birmingham rivals Wayne Elcock and Matthew Macklin clash at the Aston Arena on Saturday night in one of the most eagerly awaited domestic dustups for years. At stake is Elcock’s British Middleweight title and the pride of Birmingham. The bout headlines a Hennessy Sports event which is live on ITV4 from 7.45pm and also features heavyweight sensation, Tyson Fury..
While Macklin believes he’s been kept waiting for his chance Elcock says he’s primed to deliver the best performance of his career. “It’s a huge fight for Birmingham but it should have happened ages ago,” said Macklin. “Wayne’s been British Champion now for over 18 months and it’s been a natural fight for both of us.
“He’s kept me waiting though and I had to become the mandatory challenger to force the fight. If he was as confident about the fight as he says why didn’t he defend against me sooner? I’d like to think if the roles were reversed I’d have made my first defence against Wayne because it is such a big fight for the city.”
Elcock though believes Macklin will be wishing he had been more patient come Saturday night. “I’m really fired up for this one and the interest in it has been huge. Matt’s been talking a good fight and promising to knock me out but that’s all part of the game.
“I’m not one for making predictions but I can guarantee you that I’m not giving up that Lonsdale belt for anyone.”
The chief support to “The Battle of Brum” features Adnan Amar defending his English Welterweight title against Tom Glover. Tyson Fury goes in search of win number 4 of his pro career against experienced southpaw Lee Swaby while Wolverhampton’s undefeated Chris Lewis takes on Adam Kelly. Also in action are local prospects Chris Male, Quinton Hillocks and Callum Archer. Doors open at 6:45pm with tickets available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
Froch follows his American dream
WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch is convinced he will crack America if he beats Jermain Taylor when the pair clash on Saturday 25 April at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket in Connecticut.
Froch told the Steve Bunce Boxing Hour on Setanta Sports News that a win over mandatory contender Jermain Taylor would make him a household name stateside. He said:
“I’m travelling over to America, I feel I’m giving away home advantage as champion, but it’s great for me to go over to the States and be catapulted to superstardom, which is what a win against Taylor will do for me.
“The fans are going to take to my style of fighting and what I bring to the ring.
“It’s going to be a tough task, but it’s something I’m looking forward to doing. Flying out to America, getting my face and my name out there, and showing off my skills.
Nottingham-born Froch dismissed claims that Taylor was past his prime, declaring that “the fight will be massive”. He added:
“He’s still a big name. He’s a marquee fighter. The fact remains that Jermain Taylor is a quality opponent for me. He’s a big name and will to the masses.”
Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto to Make Humanitarian Visit to Haiti
(WINTER HAVEN, FLA.) – Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto (Winter Haven, Fla.) will travel to Haiti, his family’s homeland, March 16-18, to provide humanitarian assistance on behalf of the Carma Foundation. While in Haiti, the 25-year-old boxer will visit schools and a church as well as the Croix des Bouquets City Hall to provide much needed inspiration and supplies. In addition, Everlast has donated items for the delegation to distribute during their visit.
“For one of Haiti’s own to make a journey back home to inspire the youth and bring aid is a historical day for an island whose people have suffered a great deal,” Carma Foundation Founder Melky Jean said. “Those who have had the opportunity to meet Andre quickly learn that he is wise beyond his years, and he exemplifies that in his commitment to helping others. He is a young man with a dream that has inspired a nation, and his colleagues at the Carma Foundation are proud of him and his dedication to making a difference in the world.”
While the trip is the first to Haiti for Berto, he hopes to travel there often in the future to help those suffering in the island nation. “I am happy that I finally have the opportunity to go to Haiti and make an impact on the lives of the people there,” Berto said. “I’ve been very blessed and I’m now able to share my success with others. I look forward to making many future trips to Haiti, and hope to touch the lives of as many people as possible.”
Berto represented Haiti as a one-man boxing team in the 2004 Olympic Games before turning professional. The 25-year-old boxer hopes to help to build boxing gyms in Haiti and give young people there an opportunity to participate in the sport. His representing the nation in the 2004 Olympics has already made an impact with Haiti entering boxers in every major international tournament since 2004, including the 2008 Olympics. Everlast has supported Haiti in the past as well, outfitting the 2008 Olympic boxing team in Beijing, China, and hopes to assist Berto in future outreach to the nation.
Berto joined the board of the Carma Foundation in October of 2008 to support the organization in its mission of improving the health and lives of the poor women and children in Haiti. Since its inception in 2007, Carma has already impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Haitian women and children and plans to extend its reach to the millions of Haitian citizens.
Andre Berto is the World Boxing Council Welterweight World Champion and maintains a perfect 24-0 record as a professional. An accomplished amateur with numerous national titles, Berto represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympic Games. A Haitian-American, Berto comes from a fighting family. His father, Dieusuel competed as an Ultimate Fighter before a devastating car crash ended his career and brother Edson and sister Revelina are professional MMA fighters.