Board unveils a list of title super-fights
Bradley Thompson…flyweight cracker. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
FIGHT fans can look forward to some scintillating area title fights if the Boxing Board of Control’s proposed matches come to fruition.
The Midlands arm of the governing body has pledged to keep its belts active and deliver five-star championship bouts.
That commitment is underlined by the Board’s latest bulletin announcing a raft of titles fights they want to see happen.
There are grass roots super showdowns and surprises.
Probably the best in a cracking catalogue is the pairing of red-hot prospects Hamza Uddin, from Walsall, and Telford’s Bradley Thompson for the vacant Midlands flyweight title.
That’s a clash between two young men backed by London powerhouse promoters – and both were top amateurs.
Uddin, aged 21 and undefeated in three, is with Matchroom. Thompson, the 23-year-old brother of former world super-bantam champ Liam Davies, wears the Queensberry colours. He’s unbeaten in six.
Whether the fight happens, I’m not sure, because it looks a match worthy of more than an area title. It’s a pairing that would carry much more significance down the line.
But Bradley’s trainer Liam Davies insisted today: “If the money’s right, we’ll take it and I think Uddin would be in trouble. It’s a bigger risk for him than it is for us. But the money has to be right.
“I think Brad, on his day, can beat anyone. You’ve not seen the best of Brad, no one has.
“He’s only done four rounders at the minute, he’ll step up to six in March.”
I’ll admit being surprised by the pairing of Nico Ogbeide and Conor Baker, both BCB boxers, for the vacant lightweight belt.
I’ve always considered Tipton’s Baker a super-lightweight and Ogbeide, from Bordesley Green, admitted: “I would’ve preferred one at super-feather.”
Nico Ogbeide…lightweight chance. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB
It is, however, an exciting battle of unbeatens. Baker, aged 27, has won five, Ogbeide has won four, drawn one.
Nico said: “I’m 30, I’m not getting any younger. I’m ready, I’ve been calling for bigger fights. I’ve always said I want the Midlands this year.”
How about this for a pairing, if it happens? The Board want Northampton’s Ben Vaughan to defend his welterweight title against Zach Evans from Cannock.
That’s another surprise: I’ve always considered 27-year-old Zach a super-welter.
After eight straight wins, the 10 rounder would be a big step-up for Evans. Big punching Vaughan (10-1) won the belt with a one round demolition of Liam Gould and, in November, pushed Ekow Essuman to a majority decision. That thrilling championship battle was one of the year’s best.
It would certainly be an exciting main event for Scott Murray who has staged Evans’ recent outings.
Burntwood’s Troi Coleman faces a tough first defence of his middleweight title. The Board want him to meet Coventry’s former Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Aaron Bowen.
Troi Coleman…a tough first defence may be on horizon
Troi, with 16 bouts under his belt, fought superbly to beat Tom Cowling for the crown last September. Bowen (4-0) has played out his pro apprenticeship in front of TV cameras. He is being groomed for stardom.
At cruiserweight, the potential collision between muscled, menacing Aston prospect Traie Duberry and Tom Pogson is back on the table.
Duberry, part of the McCracken gym, has won four. Pogson, from Boston, Lincolnshire, would represent his biggest test to date. He’s unbeaten in seven (one draw).
*The Board has given an initial February 16 deadline for purse bids to be submitted for the matches, which must take place by the end of June.