The British Boxing Scene

By Donald C Stewart

As we have Carl “The Cobra” Froch 28-2, 20KOs back in the UK nursing his wounds and contemplating his future, a future fight between Froch and George Groves 14-0, 11KOs has been dismissed by none other than Groves’ manager and trainer, Adam Booth. Booth was the one who masterminded Groves’ win against James DeGale 11-1, 8KOs and then turned his attention to his other high profile charge; David Haye 25-2, 23KOs. Unfortunately he was unable to walk away with as much credit from that fight, but Booth is a disarmingly honest man. In an interview with SKY he was brutal in his assessment of talk of Groves up against Froch or even Andre Ward 25-0, 13KOs! It aint going to happen because, according to Booth his fighter is too easily hit. In particular you should go after him with your right because that is where Groves’ weakness lies!

Apart from that we have little to report… It is after all Christmas!

Forwards

We all may be sting about reflecting on what happened, what might have been and what ought to have happened but the view in front is quite a good one. After the loss of so many World Champions perhaps looking forward is just the tonic required…
In the New Year heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo 10-2, 9KOs will take on Sam Sexton 14-2, 6KOs at the York Hall on the 13th January whilst Derry Matthews 29-5-1, 15KOs will fight for the vacant IBO lightweight title against Alisher Rahimov 22-0, 11KOs in Liverpool on the 20th January. Also in Liverpool on the 21st January there’s another heavyweight bout as David Price 11-0, 9KOs finally takes on John McDermott 26-7, 17KOs.

The lost December bout involving James DeGale 11-1, 8KOs at the Echo Arena Liverpool will happen with DeGale fighting Spaniard Jose Maria Guerrero 29-2-1, 11KOs in his European defence on the 27th of January. On the same bill we have Stephen Smith 12-1, 6KOs, Liam Smith 8-0-1, 4KOs and Billy Joe Saunders. On the 28th January Carl Frampton 11-0, 7KOs will take on Kris Hughes 15-1, 1KO to defend his Commonwealth title as Frampton continues to build a solid reputation and the British Cruiserweight title will be decided on the 31st January between Leon Williams 9-3, 4KOs and Tony Conquest 8-0, 2KOs.

February continues the treats as Scott Quigg 23-0, 16KOs will defend his British Bantamweight title against Jamie Arthur 18-5, 4KOs.