London (Saturday January 22, 2011). The UK and Ireland’s unbeaten 6ft 9in heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury will face his toughest opponent to date when he takes on Former World title challenger Francois Botha over 10 rounds in a “Special Feature Fight” at Wembley Arena on Saturday 19th February.
South African born Botha nicknamed the “White Buffalo” who has fought several marquee World Heavyweight Champions in his relatively distinguished career including the likes of Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko and most recently Evander Holyfield, has agreed to travel to the UK and face one of the most talked about prospects in World boxing.
“Botha’s an experienced and very tough fighter and not a man to be taken lightly, He has shared the ring with some truly world class fighters in his time and experience is a big factor in boxing, but to be the best I must overcome all obstacles that I’m presented with, like him, I will never shy away from fighting an opponent.” Said Tyson
He added “It will be my first time at Wembley arena, it is a prestigious venue and I’m looking forward to it. But I must stay focused and stick to my game plan and put on a good and enjoyable fight for the fans and ultimately to be victorious and join the greats who have added an “L” to his record.”
Botha said in reply “This old man is coming to England to give him a boxing lesson. He is a young up and coming star in the UK but look at who he’s fought and look at who I’ve fought – and hopefully the UK will have a great fight as long as it lasts.”
“The first time I fought Mike Tyson, for five rounds I gave him a lesson but got a little cocky in round six and paid the price. So at least now I have the opportunity to beat another Tyson.”
“I would love to beat Tyson Fury first, and any on comers who want a shot at the former IBF and WBF world heavyweight champion.”
“I have always been impressed by the knowledge of the English boxing supporter and look forward to coming back to England for this fight but my advice to Tyson Fury and all so called English contenders like David Price and even David Haye is “Put up or shut up”.
“I hear that Tyson is a good fella and maybe I’ll share a beer with him after he wakes up from the knockout the White Buffalo is going to impose upon him.”
“See you all on the 19th, The Buffalo roams”
The great night of Championship Boxing at Wembley Arena will also see, Lightening Lenny Daws defending his British Light Welterweight title against Ashley “Treasure” Theophane. John O’Donnell and Craig Watson meeting for the 2nd time in as many years, this time fighting it out to be crowned the British Welterweight champion and Former Commonwealth challenger Lee “Lights out” Purdy defending his Southern Area title against Michael “The Look” Lomax.
Joining these great fighters at Wembley will be a host of talented young boxers including Haddenham’s Tornado Tyler Goodjohn, Islington’s John “the Gorilla” Ryder, Phill Fury of Lancaster and Chris “Flash” Evangelou of Enfield.
TICKET INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY 19TH FEBRUARY
Important Ticket Information – Please read.
Tickets already purchased for the original date of Saturday 5th February will be valid for the rescheduled date of Saturday 19th February and no further action is required.
If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date (19th Feb) and require a refund please return the ticket/s to the point of sale.
Tickets are NOW on sale from the following box offices priced at:
£100, £75, £40 and £30
Please note: Family tickets are also available from the Wembley Box Office.
Wembley Arena, 24hr Box Office Call 0844 815 0815
or www.wembleyarena.co.uk
Tiicketline 24hr Box Office call 0844 888 4402
or www.hennessysports.com
Full Fight Card
**SPECIAL ATTRACTION**
International Heavyweight Contest
10 x 3 min rounds
Tyson Fury vs. Francois Botha
British Light Welterweight title
12 x 3 min rounds
Lenny Daws (Champion) vs. Ashley Theophane
British Welterweight Title
12 x 3 min rounds
John O’Donnell vs. Craig Watson
Southern Area Welterweight Title
10 x 3 min rounds
Lee Purdy vs. Michael Lomax
Middleweight Contest
6 x 3 min rounds
John Ryder vs. TBA
Light Welterweight Contest
4 x 3 min rounds
Chris Evangelou vs. TBA
Light Welterweight Contest
4 x 3 min rounds
Tyler Goodjohn vs. TBA
Light Middleweight Contest
4 x 3 min rounds
Phill Fury vs. TBA