Surprise TV defence for champion Dacres

Solomon Dacres…now under Frank Warren’s promotional banner

IN a surprise, last minute move, Solomon Dacres is to defend his English heavyweight title on next week’s massive, televised Manchester bill.

Yesterday he was added to the stacked November 18 Frank Warren card topped by Telford’s European super-bantam king Liam Davies and Stoke middleweight Nathan Heaney’s British title challenge.

And it’s certainly no given for Warley’s Dacres, unbeaten in seven. In the opposite corner will be Middlesbrough’s Michael Webster, a former Team GB squad member and 9-0 as a pro.

It’s a pretty instant call to arms for Dacres who recently joined Warren’s promotional fold which already bulges with heavyweight talent.

The 30-year-old does, however, looks something special, possibly the best of the bunch. What’s more, he’s media savvy – bright, articulate and excellent in interviews.

Max McCracken, the man building Dacres into a world class operator, said: “Webster’s a test for Sol. He’s come up from cruiser, but weighed 17st 11lbs for his last fight. At 6ft 6ins tall, he’s filling out into a big heavyweight.

“He looks a good lad, Sol has to be switched on.”

But, then, Dacres looks a very good lad. He is zeroing in on a challenge for Fabio Wardley’s British title and a Midlands mega fight with former Team GB rival Frazer Clarke looms on the horizon.

The future looks lucrative and promising. But first comes Michael Webster.

He’s fit for the 10 rounder, having sparred with Tyson Fury and will want to shine in his first official outing under the Warren banner.

He’s arrived at a time when the heavyweight scene is top heavy with hopefuls, but Max insisted: “I think he’s at the top. He’s a very tough kid and very dedicated – he lives like a monk. He’s a quality fighter. He’s only had seven fights, he’s a baby in terms of experience.

“We’re looking for a fight with Wardley next year and a fight with Frazer Clarke would be fantastic for the Midlands.”