Fight foursome bid for British glory

Could the Fylde coast boast of having four British champions by 2017?
Photo: David Hurst
Blackpool's Matty Askin fights Jiri Svacina at the Winter GardensPhoto: David Hurst
Blackpool's Matty Askin fights Jiri Svacina at the Winter Gardens
Photo: David Hurst Blackpool's Matty Askin fights Jiri Svacina at the Winter Gardens

That is the tantalising, realistic prospect as the fight scene locally catches fire.

Lytham’s Scott Cardle already holds the domestic lightweight crown, while Matty Askin, of St Annes and Stalmine’s Jack Arnfield have designs on the cruiserweight and middleweight titles respectively, both currently vacant.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition, Kirkham’s Adam Little is also closing in on a crack at the British super-lightweight title.

Askin is in action on Saturday night in a crucial contest when he takes on Tommy McCarthy, of Belfast, at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester.

The winner of that will box Craig Kennedy for the cruiserweight belt recently vacated by Ovill McKenzie, who has been forced to retire from the ring with a heart problem.

The British Boxing Board of Control has ordered that the winner will compete for the title against Craig Kennedy some time in the New Year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Welshman Kennedy, nicknamed ‘The Kid’, has won all his 15 contests to date, eight of them by way of knockout.

Kennedy has not boxed since May when he won the International Boxing Federation international cruiserweight title against Joel Tambwe Djeko, of Belgium

Askin had been due to face McCarthy at an earlier date, but the contest was postponed when McCarthy had to pull out with a shoulder injury.

Paul Speak, Askin’s manager, said: “I spoke to McCarthy’s manager and whatever problem he had has now cleared up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Matty is confident going into the fight as he always is. It is a big time for Matty particularly now that Frank Warren has done a deal to put the BoxNation channel on the BT Sport platform. Matty boxes for Frank Warren, so hopefully his fights will get a showing.”

Arnfield has designs on a second attempt at the British title. He lost on points 12 months ago to Nick Blackwell and recently beat John Ryder for the World Boxing Association international title a Manchester Arena.

The Boxing Board have put Arnfield’s name up for an eliminator against Elliott Mathews that has gone to purse offers.

Little meets Glenn Foot in an eliminator for the super-lightweight crown in Wigan on December 10. Tyrone Nurse is the current holder.

Related topics: