Foster, Benjamin to fight at the Excelsior

Kaisee Benjamin…will box in Cannock on November 30

NEXT month’s show at Cannock’s Excelsior Club, which falls on St Andrew’s Day, November 30, and has a distinctly tartan feel, is shaping up very nicely.

I’m surprised by some of the big names in the home corner, to be honest. They’ll fight Scottish opposition selected by the country’s oldest sporting club, St Andrew’s in Glasgow.

Former British and Commonwealth champ Brad Foster, from Lichfield, will fight on the show. So will Birmingham’s thunderous punching Kaisee Benjamin, who was outpointed in May by Irishman Sean McComb for the WBO European title.

Liverpool welter sensation April Hunter, who last time out beat former European champ Kirstie Bavington, tunes up for her own forthcoming European shot at the Excelsior.

And those who enjoy raw heavyweight action should be in for a treat if a planned clash between Wolverhampton giant Hosea Stewart and 6ft 7ins Scottish champ Nick Campbell goes ahead.

I’ve got to applaud Excelsior boss Scott Murray – his club was launched this year and he’s already secured the services of three British champs, one world titleholder in Sam Eggington, a European title challenger and world amateur champ.

Based at Cannock’s Premier Suite, the Excelsior is punching well above its weight. November 30, a night that will also include pipers, haggis and whisky tasting, looks one hell of an occasion.

Brad Foster…former British champ on the hunt for titles

Excelsior matchmaker Jon Pegg: “A lot of these boxers would’ve never entertained fighting at a sporting club. I think it’s down to Sam Eggington. He did it and the others thought, ‘if he’s done it, we’ll do it’. He showed the importance of staying active. They realise the importance of staying active. They need to box.”

Pegg’s own boxer, Benjamin, rebuilds after the loss to McComb. He had registered a string of spectacular, televised KOs before being outpointed for the British title by Dalton Smith. Then came the setback against Sean.

“He handled the loss well and in the right way,” said Pegg. “He wasn’t heartbroken, he wasn’t emotional, he’s just determined to do better.

“He said to me, ‘I’ve got to do better than that’.”

Brad Foster appeared to have the world at his feet after winning outright ownership of the Lonsdale Belt in quick time.

Jason Cunnigham ended his long unbeaten run with a controversial decision, then dangerous Ionut Baluta gained a points win over the former champ.