Kevin Mitchell’s showdown with John Murray has been moved to Saturday 16th July at the Liverpool Echo Arena after the Londoner came down with a viral infection.
The highly anticipated fight now features on a blockbuster bill headlined by Ricky Burns’ World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Super-Featherweight title defence against Nicky Cook, plus the explosive rematch between Tony Bellew and Ovill McKenzie for both the vacant British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles. Also, with Frankie Gavin defending his WBO Intercontinental title against footballer-turned boxer Curtis Woodhouse there are now four title big fights on the 13 fight card.
Mitchell was originally scheduled to meet his unbeaten Manchester rival at the Excel Arena in London a week earlier on 9th July, but he has been out of the gym for nearly a week after he came down with a viral infection.
Although Mitchell was back in training last week, it was clear that he would not recapture his full fitness for this Saturday and he informed Promoter Frank Warren, who quickly re-scheduled it for the Liverpool Echo Arena card.
Mitchell said, “I want to face Murray when I’m fully fight fit so there are not excuses. I’ve been in the gym since before this fight was announced and was on schedule with my training and in fantastic shape, but I was then hit by a virus that really knocked me back so I couldn’t train. It wouldn’t be fair on the paying fans and Murray if I got in the ring knowing that I wasn’t one-hundred percent fit so I asked Frank for a slight delay. I’ll be fit and ready for July 16th and fans will see the best of Kevin Mitchell.”
*The Excel card is cancelled and members of the public who have purchased tickets should go to their original point of purchase to obtain a full refund.
Bellew getting ready for big fight against McKenzie on July 16
Tony Bellew has got away from it all with some sun, sea…and sparring.
The Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion has jetted to Tenerife ahead of his big rematch with Ovill McKenzie on July 16.
The pair meet at the Liverpool Echo Arena in what should be a blockbuster show now that Kevin Mitchell’s grudge fight with John Murray has just been added.
But Bellew, whose fight with McKenzie also sees the vacant British title up for grabs, won’t be having any late nights.
Instead he’s enjoying a spartan-style training camp to ensure he’s in the best shape of his career.
His days include plenty of altitude work with runs on punishing Mount Teide, and strengthening his legs on the island’s sandy beaches.
“I’ve not had many away camps since I turned pro,” said Bellew.
“I just needed to get away from all the distractions in Liverpool and fully focus on this fight with McKenzie.
“He’s a dangerous opponent, and he proved that in our first fight when he had me on the floor.
“Out here, all I have been doing is studying tapes of McKenzie and preparing for him pretty much 24 seven.
“Even when I go to sleep, I’m dreaming about how I am going to beat him.
“It’s probably one of the toughest camps I have had because I’m up early every morning and then working hard throughout the day.
“Everyone seems to be coming out for their summer holiday at the moment, but when they are out partying, I’m tucked up in bed.
“But it will all be worth it when I get my hands on that British title to add to my Commonwealth belts.
“And all my fans will definitely see the difference when it comes to fight night next weekend.”
Tickets, priced at £50, £80 and £100, are available on 0844 8000 400 or www.echoarena.com
Vassell vs. TBA on 7/16
DENTON VASSELL is one of Britain’s most feared fighters but reckons he gets power from doing YOGA. Manchester’s Commonwealth welterweight champion dubbed ‘Mini Mike Tyson’ by his promoter, Ricky Hatton has been converted to yoga by his mum, Janet De Silva.
The exercise is even part of a pre-fight ritual that Vassell will carry out daily before his six rounder against Nicaraguan Ronny McField at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday July 16.
Vassell, 26, explained: “Yoga should be part of your lifestyle. My mum is a yoga teacher and it is great on fight day when things are winding down.
“I can do stretches that most people can’t do because of the yoga mum does with me.
“I have had 17 fights won them all, work in a bank and whenever I need to relax I turn to yoga and it makes me a better person.
“People think I am all power, speed and fitness but the yoga has made me elusive.
“She sits me down every day and we do stretching and breathing exercises. It is so peaceful and stress relieving.”
McField, who is based in Italy boasts a 13-9-2 record.
In the top of the bill contest local hero Craig Watson challenges Lee Purdy for the British welterweight title in a rematch.
Watson lost the title to the Essex man in April when he was stopped in five rounds.
In the chief supporting contests Watson’s fellow Oldham fighter Darren Stubbs challenges Bob Ajisafe for the vacant English light-heavyweight title.
Hatton Promotions youngsters on the bill include Austin Hornsby, Dean Halsall and Matthew Clarkson.
The show is not being televised and tickets are selling fast for Watson’s revenge missing and are available prices £35, £55 and £75 VIP from 01925 755222