Froch vs Kessler Weigh-In Video and Photos

Here are the weights from Herning, Denmark: Super Six World Boxing Classic, Second Round: - Carl Froch (WBC Champion) – 75.9 kg vs Mikkel Kessler (Challenger) – 75.8 kg

Mikkel Kessler: “I have had a great preparation and I am ready. It was not the real Mikkel Kessler in the ring against Andre Ward. I have learned my lesson. In life, you have to bounce back from defeats, you have to get back up. That is what I am about to do. This fight means everything to me. There is a lot of pressure but that is no problem. I need a win. And I will get a win – I will get the first three points in the Super Six tournament.”

Jimmy Montoya: “Mikkel is in great shape. The Cobra will be in for a hell of a night and a hell of a fight. Mikkel is just too skilled and too powerful for him. And we have not seen the best of Mikkel yet. I expect a clear win on Saturay night.”

Kalle Sauerland: “This is the biggest fight in Danish history. Mikkel has become a mean fighting machine – he has learned from Oakland. He is like a wild animal. He is hungry for success, hungry for a victory over Froch. With 10.000 enthusiastic Danish fans behind him, he will knock Froch out. After all the trouble the Cobra has given me in the last days, I cannot wait for Mikkel to take revenge on Saturday night..”

Watch Marco Huck vs Brian Minto Boxing Fight Online Livestream

Marco Huck vs Brian Minto


25-year-old Marco Huck, the reigning WBO cruiserweight champion, sure is keeping himself busy. Huck, 28-1(21) fought four times last year, and it looks as though the Serbian-born German will match that activity rate here in 2010.

Next up for "Kap'n Huck," according to a number of sources including FightNews, is a May 1st defence of his belt against crowd-pleasing former heavyweight Brian "The Beast" Minto.. Less than two months on from making relatively easy-looking work of Adam "Swamp Donkey" Richards, who he stopped inside 3-rounds back on march 13th, Huck will make the third defence of his title against the gutsy slugger from Butler, PA.

Minto, now aged 35 and 34-3(21) as a pro, is coming off an exciting, yet losing battle with the much bigger Chris Arreola; who TKO'd him in the 4th-round in December. Immediately following that loss, the very first stoppage loss of his pro career, Minto vowed to drop down in weight so he could, "fight guys his own size." Now, in somewhat surprising news, Minto has landed this big fight.

Set to take place once again in Germany (the scene of Huck's last eleven outings), the May 1st clash figures to be exciting; while it lasts at least. I say while it lasts because, though Minto has proven his ability up a weight and will naturally feel he will be the stronger man over Huck at a more comfortable weight of 200-pounds, the overall skills of the champion have been looking formidable recently. Fast approaching his peak, Huck is a vastly improved fighter from when he lost to Steve Cunningham.

Watch Alfredo Angulo vs Joel Julio Full Boxing Fight Free Livestream

Alfredo Angulo vs Joel Julio Full Boxing Fight Free


Light-middleweights Alfredo Angulo and Joel Julio are set to rumble on April 24th on HBO, possibly with heavyweight contender Chris Arreola sharing the card against an as yet unannounced foe (whispers say it could be former cruiserweight titlist Tomasz Adamek, assuming "Goral" gets past the upset-minded Jason Estrada on Feb. 6th). Fighting for the interim WBO light-middleweight title Angulo won last time out, when he smashed Harry Joe Yorgey to painful defeat inside just three rounds, Angulo and Julio could put on a great action fight.

Mexico's 27-year-old Angulo, 17-1(14) is a fine pressure fighter who has genuine punching power; while 25-year-old Julio of Colombia, 35-3(31) is also heavy-handed and aggressive. With the styles of the two men being what they are, the April fight promises to deliver! But who will win?

Angulo has bounced back well from his sole pro loss, on points to Kermit Cintron back in May of last year. Crushing Gabriel Rosado inside a couple of rounds in August of 2009, and then taking Yorgey out in impressive style also, the Mexican warrior is back looking like a genuine future world champion.. But in the thrice-beaten and once stopped Julio, "El Perro" will be meeting a tough test indeed.

Floyd Mayweather vs Shane Mosley Boxing Fight Free Livestream

Floyd Mayweather vs Shane Mosley Full Boxing Fight Free


It's official. Boxing's biggest superstar and six-time world champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather made his upcoming fight with welterweight mega-star and five-time world champion Sugar Shane Mosley, official today when he signed the contract that pits the two fighters against each other on Saturday, May 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a mega-bout which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View®.

Watch Tomasz Adamek vs Chris Arreola Boxing Fight Livestream

Tomasz Adamek vs Chris Arreola Full Boxing Fight


On Saturday, April 24 Goossen Tutor Promotions and Main Events in association with Ziggy Promotions will present “RING OF FIRE” on HBO’s Boxing After Dark. Tomasz Adamek is a Polish professional Heavyweight boxer best known for his incredible punch resistance. His record is 40-1 (27 KOs). He is the former WBC world light heavyweight champion and the former IBF, IBO and The Ring magazine cruiserweight champion. As of the end of 2009, Ring Magazine has ranked Adamek as the 30th best boxer in the world.

Chris Arreola is a US Mexican-American heavyweight boxer once regarded by some as a "prospect", or potential future champion. He was defeated by Vitali Klitschko by a 10-round TKO, in a bid to win the WBC Heavyweight Title.

Watch Serio Martinez vs Kelly Pavlik Full Boxing Fight Replay

Serio Martinez vs Kelly Pavlik Full Boxing Fight
by: James Slater

35-year-old Serio Martinez proved beyond any doubt last night in beating and bloodying a brave Kelly Pavlik that he is one of the very best middleweights in the world. Perhaps that's not sufficiently high praise; maybe the southpaw from Argentina is THE best 160-pounder in the sport today. Certainly, the new middleweight champion of the world has achieved plenty at the weight - in just two fights!

Just over a year ago, Martinez, 45-2-2(24) was defending his WBC 154-pound belt against Kermit Cintron (being awarded a draw in a fight most people felt Martinez actually won) - now, however, he has made a huge name for himself with two great fights; one against Paul Williams and last night's win over "The Ghost." The question now is, what next for the boxer who goes by the nickname of "Maravilla?."

Watch Froch vs Kessler Boxing Fight Free LiveStream

Carl Froch vs Mikkel Kessler Full Boxing Fight Free Stream


Team Sauerland and Hennessy Sports are proud to announce that the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament group stage 2 fight between WBC Super Middleweight Champion Carl Froch and the Viking Warrior Mikkel Kessler will take place at the MCH Messecentre, Herning in Denmark on the 24th April 2010. The fight will be televised in the United States on SHOWTIME® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT. In Denmark, the fight will be broadcast on Viasat. Hennessy Sports will be announcing the UK TV broadcaster over the next week.

Watch Kelly Pavlik vs Sergio Martinez Boxing Fight Live

Kelly Pavlik vs Sergio Martinez Boxing Fight


World Middleweight Champion KELLY “The Ghost” PAVLIK returns to his old haunt, Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, on Saturday, April 17, to defend his titles against World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight champion SERGIO “Maravilla” MARTINEZ. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and Caesars Atlantic City, Pavlik vs. Martinez will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

“It’s great to be back training and it’s great to be defending my titles in Atlantic City where my world title reign began,” said Pavlik, who had been sidelined for much of last year by various problems stemming from a nagging staph infection in his right hand. “I feel terrific and training camp has been great. I am taking nothing for granted. I saw Martinez’s fight against Paul Williams and I thought he won it. His world title may be at super welterweight but he is a legitimate world-class middleweight and I am 110% focused on Sergio Martinez.”

Watch Jason Estrada vs Tony Thompson Boxing Fight

Jason Estrada vs Tony Thompson Free Livestream


A solid and intriguing heavyweight match-up will take place in Memphis on April 16th, as contenders Jason "Big Six" Estrada and Tony "The Tiger" Thompson will clash in a fight to be televised on ESPN 2's Friday Night Fights series. This is the word according to Dan Rafael's "Quick Hits" column over on ESPN.com.

Very much having the look of a 50-50 fight, fans will likely get a good, watchable bout here. Estrada is the younger man by a considerable nine-years at age 29, and he is coming off that better-than-expected (in the opinion of a good number of people anyway) showing against former cruiserweight champ Tomasz Adamek - the February fight being one the Providence, Rhode Island man felt very strongly he had won on points..

While southpaw Thompson of Washington D.C is coming off his impressive 9th-round TKO win over Chazz Witherspoon, a fight that took place back in December. Both guys remain hungry and determined, and both fighters will know that a loss in April will very possibly demote them to journeyman status.

Holyfield stops Botha in 8th round! Watch Full Replay Free

Holyfield vs Botha Full Replay Free


Hall of Fame-bound Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield added the World Boxing Federation heavyweight title belt to his overcrowded trophy case, stopping defending champion Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha in the 8th round last night in the main event on “The Legend Returns” card, promoted by Crown Boxing, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Complete Results

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Evander Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs), Atlanta, GA WTKO8 (2:05) Frans Botha (47-5-3, 28 KOs), Newport Beach, CA
(Holyfield wins World Boxing Federation title)

CRUISERWEIGHTS
Henry Namauu (6-3, 4 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WTKO7 (2:43) Rayford Johnson (5-5, 3 KOs), Longview, TX
Arthur Williams (47-16-1, 30 KOs), Pensacola, FL WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 59-55) Valente Tinajero (8-1, 4 KOs), Roy UT

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Lawrence Hughes (4-0, 3 KOs), Las Vegas, NV DC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37) Juan Alcolea (2-2, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

FEMALE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Jennifer Han (1-1-1), Tucson, AZ WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Crystal Hoy (3-21-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Rocco Santomauro (4-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-26) Karl Hammer (1-3, 0 KOs), Clearfield, UT

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS
Alexis Santiago (3-0-1, 1 KO), Phoenix, AZ WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Brice Yeniki (0-5), Las Vegas, NV

Andre Berto vs. Carlos Quintana Boxing Fight Livestream Free

Andre Berto vs. Carlos Quintana Watch Full Boxing Fight free


The co-feature will showcase WBA Junior Featherweight champion Celestino Caballero (33-2, 23 KO's), who will be moving up to take on unbeaten WBA #2 contender Daud Yordan (25-0, 19 KO's). Caballero is the former Unified Junior Featherweight champion. Yordan is the WBO Oriental Featherweight champion, his title won't be on the line. Two time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, Guillermo Rigondeaux (5-0, 4 KO's) will also
appear on the undercard..

Berto (25-0, 19 KO's) now faces Carlos Quintana (27-2-0, 21 KO's), who was born and still resides in Moca, Puerto Rico. Quintana is a hard throwing southpaw who likes to challenge fighters by coming straight at them. Berto,
who also punches hard and is lightning quick, has to be careful and dictate the fight from the start. In February of 2008, Quintana was a huge underdog, and upset then-WBO champion Paul Williams. Quintana lost the rematch. Since 2005 he has fought three unbeaten fighters scoring two victories, with the only loss coming to Miguel Cotto.

Evander Holyfield - Frans Botha Quotes and Video

Evander Holyfield - Frans Botha Watch Video


Evander Holyfield: “I’m happy to have the opportunity to fight in Las Vegas again. Everything that’s happened to me has been here – in 1984 I had to win Saturday and Sunday to make the Olympic team. In 1990, 1993, 1996 and 2000 I won the heavyweight title here. Las Vegas has been the place that’s given me the opportunity to be the person I am. I’m thankful for Botha giving me an opportunity to fight for a title again. My goal has simply been to be undisputed heavyweight champion. I’m a person – I think my attitude is good when people tell me I can’t do something -- I’m driven by what people say I can’t do to prove I can. I’m not disappointed by decisions. I felt I beat Valuev. I won’t quit seeking to do my best and Saturday night you’ll see me give my all. If not enough, I’ll make adjustments.

“To be perfect is to reach my goal. I thought I did it in 1999 against Lennox (Lewis). Here, in 2010, and it’s going to be a great fight. I’m telling you, Saturday night, I’ll look better than I used to be..”

Watch Bute vs Miranda Online Stream Boxing Fight Live

Bute vs Miranda Boxing Fight Live Free


“With the signing of this fight, we continue our tradition by bringing into Montreal a world class event with two world class athletes in Lucian Bute and Edison Miranda. The pre-sale of tickets is going strong and indicates we will have an amazing crowd and ambiance at the Bell Centre the night of April 17th,” states InterBox president Mr. Jean Bedard. “Power is a shortcut to win. Miranda can put out the lights with any punch…One week after his fight with Librado Andrade, Lucian was back in the gym. He’s training hard, taking Edison Miranda seriously and he’ll do everything he has to do to stay World champion for a long time. Lucian is an ambitious fighter, he wants to be a hall of famer and it’s a privilege for me to work with him.

Mosley vs Mayweather: Sugar Shane Camp Notes

Mosley vs Mayweather Watch Boxing Fight


For Sugar Shane Mosley, his May 1 mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather cannot come soon enough. Having longed for this fight for many years, he is mentally and physically ready for battle, with training preparations well underway. Following a three-city media tour which wrapped up in Los Angeles on March 4, Mosley immediately returned to Big Bear, Calif., where he owns a home and has trained since 1996. In the serene mountain environment, Mosley is relaxed, but working extremely hard in preparation for what he knows will be one of the toughest battles of his career. The fact that Mayweather steps into the ring with a record of 40-0 is not intimidating to the former pound-for-pound champ who is ready to take back his throne.

Watch Holyfield vs Botha This Saturday Live Boxing Fight

Holyfield vs Botha Boxing Fight Live


by James Slater - There was a time, back in the mid-1990s, when a fight between Evander Holyfield and Francois Botha would have been pretty big news. Here in 2010, however, the match-up - which takes place this Saturday night in Las Vegas - is nothing much more than a curiosity fight. And though the scheduled 12-rounder (the bout will contest something called the WBF heavyweight title) will be covered by a number of T.V and internet outlets (the fight will be available on iNDEMAND in the U.S, on Prime Time in the U.K and via Viewers Choice in Canada), it's likely not too many fans will bother to tune in..

Certainly, those fans who are today regretting how they were somehow persuaded to fork out for this past Saturday's awful Hopkins-Jones II will think twice before going ahead and ordering this latest battle between ageing, past their best warriors. If the 17-years-in-the-making rematch between the two light-heavyweight legends was bad, there is a real chance
Holyfield Vs. Botha could be even worse!

Both guys are at least talking a good fight; with the 47-4-3(28) "White Buffalo" promising to end "The Real Deal's" career once and for all, and with Holyfield claiming his win will steer him towards yet another run at the "world" title. And, it must be said, knowing Holyfield's heart, courage and sheer, stubborn desire to win, chances are the 47-year-old will TRY to give it his best on Saturday. Botha's real motives for fighting on at age 41 are not known, but Holyfield - as delusional as he may actually be - fights on because he still believes he is one of the best heavyweights out there.

Basing things purely on the desire Holyfield, 42-10-2(27) still possesses, I think he will get the win on Saturday, most likely via a fairly wide points win. But what then? No way will Evander retire if he wins; that much is a given - but who will he face next? There has been a little talk that suggests Holyfield could even wind up in the ring with reigning WBA heavyweight boss David Haye. Hopefully this talk will prove to be nothing but talk, and the scary mismatch will not happen. But it could.

To be fair, Holyfield did look pretty good in his last fight, when he lost a close, controversial decision to then WBA heavyweight ruler Nikolai Valuev. But that fight was well over a year ago; how much further have Holyfield's skills eroded since December of 2008?

Watch Andre Berto vs Carlos Quintana Boxing Fight Live

Andre Berto vs Carlos Quintana Boxing Fight
source: eastsideboxing


NEW YORK, March 23- On Saturday, April 10th at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., WBC World Welterweight Champion Andre Berto will defend his title against former WBO champion Carlos Quintana. This is Berto's first bout since last May when he successfully defended his title with a 12-round decision over Juan Urango. The card is being billed as "Fighting For Haiti" which is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Champs Sports, Where Sports Lives, will be televised "LIVE" on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:30pm (ET) / 7:30pm (PT). The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD.

The co-feature will showcase WBA Junior Featherweight champion Celestino Caballero (33-2, 23 KO's), who will be moving up to take on unbeaten WBA #2 contender Daud Yordan (25-0, 19 KO's). Caballero is the former Unified Junior Featherweight champion. Yordan is the WBO Oriental Featherweight champion, his title won't be on the line. Two time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, Guillermo Rigondeaux (5-0, 4 KO's) will also
appear on the undercard..

Berto (25-0, 19 KO's) now faces Carlos Quintana (27-2-0, 21 KO's), who was born and still resides in Moca, Puerto Rico. Quintana is a hard throwing southpaw who likes to challenge fighters by coming straight at them. Berto,
who also punches hard and is lightning quick, has to be careful and dictate the fight from the start. In February of 2008, Quintana was a huge underdog, and upset then-WBO champion Paul Williams. Quintana lost the rematch. Since 2005 he has fought three unbeaten fighters scoring two victories, with the only loss coming to Miguel Cotto.

"He's a tough veteran," Berto said. "If you give him too much room or a little too much confidence he will take advantage of that. You have to impose your dominance early."

Berto knows he can't take Quintana for granted, though he was surprised by the Williams loss, which he saw in person. However, Berto feels there is much to gain in the welterweight division with a victory on April 10th.

"I'm in a tough situation. Realistically I train hardest when a lot of people expect me to win. He's a spoiler and he did the same with Paul Williams and I have to make sure I stay sharp and do a good job and dispose of him,"
said Berto.

"Andre Berto and Carlos Quintana represent two of the very best fighters in the world," said DiBella. "They are willing to risk it all to fight each other. And for the winner another boxing great, the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., or Shane Mosley could await."

Berto was scheduled to face veteran "Sugar" Shane Mosley, the WBA welterweight champion in January 2010, but the earthquake in Haiti, forced him to withdraw from the bout. Berto went to Haiti to provide aide and find
his sister and ensure her safety.

"My brother Cleveland and I made a trip there a couple of weeks after the earthquake," Berto said. "We lost eight family members in the earthquake, but my family is in good spirits and they continue to support me. The devastation that affected Haiti impacted the world. It is inspiring to see so many people show support and lend a helping hand."

Watch Holyfield vs Botha Boxing Fight Live

Holyfield vs Botha Boxing Fight Live


LAS VEGAS (Mar. 18, 2010) – Four-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield plans to make a strong statement April 10 when challenges World Boxing Federation heavyweight title-holder Frans “The White Buffalo” Botha in the 12-round main event, headlining “The Legend Returns” pay-per-view event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. “I’m not finished, yet,” future Hall of Famer Holyfield emphasized the statement he plans to make against Botha. “I will be champion of the world again.”

Watch Jones vs Hopkins II Boxing Fight Live Free Online Stream

Jones vs Hopkins II Boxing Fight LIve


Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins and Roy “The Terminator” Jones stayed true to their reputations as two of the most outspoken boxers in the history of the sport as they announced The Rivals: Hopkins vs. Jones II, which will take place April 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be broadcast live on pay-per-view. The debate style format of the press conference was the perfect setting for these two living legends to prove why their nearly two-decade long rivalry is stronger than ever. Below please find a sampling of their bold statements, setting the stage for what will surely be a great night for boxing and a hotly contested fight.

Watch Michael Sportt vs Audley Harrison Boxing Fight

source: eastsideboxing


MICHAEL Sprott has vowed to win the European Heavyweight Championship and dedicate the title to his late sister Ginette. Sprott, a former British and Commonwealth Champion, fights Audley Harrison for the vacant European belt at London’s Alexandra Palace on April 9. However, Sprott, 35, has only recently returned to the ring after Ginette Sprott died in September when she was hit by a train. “I still think she will walk through my door now,” said Sprott.

“It’s been a tough time and it’s something that’s never going to go away. It will always be there. I remember getting a phone call on the day and one of my other sisters was crying on the phone.

“Ginette came to a lot of my fights and always supported me.

“She always wanted me to do well and her memory does inspire me so I would definitely dedicate this victory to my sister.

“It will be an emotional night on April 9th but I’m going to be very strong and carry it with me..

“We were already a very close family and we’ve been sticking together.

“Everything that’s happened has made me a stronger person and I’m in my prime and feel strong both physically and mentally.”

Ginette’s death led to Sprott withdrawing from Prizefighter Heavyweights 3 in October, which Harrison won to set up his European title shot.

Harrison, 38, was due to fight ex-title holder Albert Sosnowski but the Pole decided to fight WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko instead.

After winning Prizefighter, Harrison donated the trophy to Sprott’s family and, although grateful for the gesture, Sprott insisted he would take care of business.

“Had I been in Prizefighter then I would’ve won,” said Sprott, who beat Harrison with a third round knockout when the pair fought in February 2007.

“Audley did what he had to do at Prizefighter and won but some of the guys he fought weren’t at my level.

“Donating the trophy to us was very touching and very nice of Audley. I didn’t really expect it and it surprised me but my mind wasn’t on Prizefighter.

“I wasn’t thinking about boxing, I was only thinking about my family - they always come first.

“But hands up to him, it was a nice gesture, he’s a nice guy and I’ve always got on well with him.

“But this is business and you have to put these things to one side when you’re in the ring.

“I’m very confident that what happened last time is going to happen again – only this time I will knock him out quicker.”

Tickets for the show at Alexandra Palace on April 9 cost £30 and £60 and are available from www.seetickets.com or 0871 230 7148.


Harrison: "I’m calling this revenge or retirement”

AUDLEY Harrison will quit professional boxing if he fails to win the vacant European Heavyweight Championship on April 9. Ex-Olympic gold medalist Harrison insists he will hang up his gloves if he loses against Michael Sprott at London’s Alexandra Palace. “I’m calling this revenge or retirement,” said 38-year-old Harrison in an interview with Sky Sports News. “If I can’t get revenge over Michael Sprott then my career can’t go forward. “If I can’t beat him then there’s nowhere else to go. That’s the mentality I’m going in the ring with – I have to go and win this to move to the next level.

“I will retire if I don’t win this so we know what’s going to happen – I’m going to win this fight, no doubt.”

Harrison and Sprott fought in February 2007 with Sprott winning with a third round knockout.

But Harrison, who saved his career by winning Prizefighter Heavyweights 3 in October, is adamant the result will be different this time.

“I was scheduled to be fighting Albert Sosnowski for the title but he got poached by (WBC Champion) Vitali Klitschko so we had to find the next available challenger,” added Harrison.

“That man was Michael Sprott and he is ranked seventh in the European rankings but I feel like I’ve been blessed to get this opportunity.

“I made some major errors in my first fight with Sprott and he was able to knock me out.

“I’ve been looking forward to avenging that defeat and the fact it’s for a European title is a double boost for me.

“Albert Sosnowski didn’t even defend his European title and he only won it in December so fighting for a world title is definitely a reality for me.

“Everyone is talking about the Klitschko brothers (Vitali and IBF / WBO Champion Wladimir) so these are the guys that I will be targeting.

“I would love to fight (WBA Champion) David Haye but I want to get one of the belts and the real champions are the Klitschko brothers.

“The recent fight between Wladimir Klitschko and Eddie Chambers, even though it wasn’t a good one, was still sold to 110 countries so it shows the Klitschkos are who the world is talking about.

“Michael Sprott has beaten me once but this is going to be a real fight and a real tear-up as I’ve got something to prove.”

Tickets for the show at Alexandra Palace on April 9 cost £30 and £60 and are available from www.seetickets.com or 0871 230 7148.


Harrison vs Sprott

OLD rivals Audley Harrison and Michael Sprott will fight for the vacant European Heavyweight Championship next month. Ex-Olympic gold medalist Harrison and former British and Commonwealth title holder Sprott will clash for the belt at London’s Alexandra Palace on April 9. The pair have fought before in February 2007 and Harrison will be keen for revenge after he was knocked out in the third round. Harrison, 38, who saved his career by winning Prizefighter Heavyweights 3 in October, had been scheduled to meet Poland’s Albert Sosnowski for the title. However, Sosnowski will now face WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko in May and is set to vacate the European belt to set up the mouth-watering all-British clash.

“When Albert pulled out, I told Matchroom I don't care who accepts the fight as there are no easy fights at this level and I’d be ready for anyone,” said Harrison.

“To have the opportunity to rectify my loss against Sprott is a blessing that is better than my expectations.

“I’m glad I get a chance to correct the mistakes I made in that fight. In 2007, had I beaten Sprott I would’ve fought for the world title that year.

“Now I’ve gone full circle and I will show I’m finally ready to fulfil my destiny and fight for and win a world title.

“I have nothing or no one to fear in the division and 2010 will be the rise, redemption and glory of Audley A Force Harrison.”

The bout, which will be the main event of Matchroom sport’s next boxing show, gives both fighters one last shot at the big time.

Sprott was due to take part in the same Prizefighter tournament as Harrison before he withdrew following the death of his sister.

After winning Prizefighter, Harrison donated the trophy to Sprott’s family, although there will be no love lost on April 9 in what will be a make-or-break night in both boxers’ careers.

Sprott, 35, returned to the ring after a nine-month absence in stunning fashion on Saturday with a knockout victory inside 60 seconds against German Werner Kreiskoff.

“When I suffered the tragic loss of my sister, I had to pull out of the Prizefighter tournament that Audley went on to win,” added Sprott.

“I have no doubt in my mind I would’ve won that tournament. I’m confident the result against Audley will be the same as last time.”

Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn was expecting a fantastic contest. He said: “This is a fight the public wants to see between two of Britain’s best heavyweights

“Albert Sosnowski getting a shot at the WBC belt has shown how close these boxers are to fighting for a world title if they win on April 9.”