Promoter Frank Warren today won the purse bids to stage the British Heavyweight title clash between the title holder Danny Williams and challenger Sam Sexton. The Norwich puncher is looking forward to his showdown with the ‘Old Guard’ of the domestic scene and relieving him of his position. Sexton stopped Martin Rogan in Belfast last month to retain his Commonwealth crown and now wants to add the prestigious Lonsdale belt to his collection. Williams was last in action in October in the Prizefighter tournament when he lost to Carl Baker, but was allowed to keep hold of the British title..
Sexton said, “Danny has been at the top of the British scene for years so I’m looking forward to testing myself against him,”
“He first won the British Heavyweight title in a memorable fight against Mark Potter with a dislocated shoulder – and that was while I was still in secondary school!”
“I have to admit that Danny was a boxer I admired when I was an amateur so it’s going to be hard getting in their and beating him up to get the British title, but it’s something I have to do,”
Even though Sexton is the younger and fresher man, he is still wary of Willams’ power.
He added, “Danny still carries a bang and can take you out with either hand so it’s something I am going to have to watch out for,”
“My trainer Graham Everett did a great job planning the strategy to beat Rogan and he is already working on the plan to beat Williams.”
A date and venue for the fight will be announced shortly.
Jamie Arthur Back In Action
JAMIE ARTHUR is just one win away from a shot at the British featherweight champion Martin Lindsay. The Cwmbran slugger faces Mickey Coveney at Newport Leisure Centre on Friday (11/12) and if victorious will challenge Lindsay at the same venue on February 5. 2002 Commonwealth games gold medallist, Arthur (15-2) retired from boxing in July 2005, but returned almost three years later and has won six fights on the bounce. Arthur, 29, earned himself the mandatory position for Lindsay’s Lonsdale belt after outpointing Akaash Bhatia in June.
He said: “The British title is the reason I came back. I thought it would never happen, but now I am within touching distance.
” Lindsay is unbeaten. He’s a good fighter, I’m a good fighter and it will be one hell of a battle.
“I proved myself by beating Akaash Bhatia and I think I’m stronger and more mature now. This is my time and I’m going to be 110% ready.
“Right now I can’t think of that too much because I have to get this week’s fight out of the way.”
Top of the Newport card the double title fight between Bristol’s British super-flyweight champion Lee Haskins (19-2) and Birmingham’s Commonwealth king Don Broadhurst (11-0).
Also in action are Olympic bronze medallists, Tony Jeffries (4-0) and David Price (3-0)
Tickets are available £30 and £70 from 0871 226 1508 and www.frankmaloney.com. Fans of Jeffries can get tickets and coach transport by calling Phil Jeffries on 07747 611020
HASKINS READY FOR TOUGHEST EVER TEST
LEE HASKINS has been told that his double title battle with Commonwealth super-flyweight champion Don Broadhurst will define his career.
The Bristol southpaw’s British title will also be on the line the pair clash at Newport Leisure Centre on Friday night (11th dec)
Manager Chris Sanigar said: “If Lee wins this fight it will open up a lot of doors for him at a higher level.
“Once he gets Broadhurst out of the way he will have cleaned up domestically and deserve to be on a bigger stage.
“This is a career defining fight for Lee as it will raise his profile so much because of the hype around Broadhurst.
“Lee is a 25-year-old approaching his prime and I feel he has the maturity to cope with Broadhurst.
Haskins (19-2) who will be making his second defence of his title has also been nominated for a crack at Euro flyweight champion Andrea Sarrituza.
He has been told that fight is safe whatever the outcome against undefeated Brummie Broadhurst (11-0)
Sanigar added: “It is not all or nothing against Broadhurst, but a victory could catapult him towards a world title fight also.”
Also in action are Olympic bronze medallists, Tony Jeffries (4-0) and David Price (3-0)
Tickets are available £30 and £70 from 0871 226 1508 and www.frankmaloney.com. Fans of Jeffries can get tickets and coach transport by calling Phil Jeffries on 07747 611020