On Saturday 13 February Frank Warren presents “The Night of the Champions” from Wembley Arena in London. In total 9 bouts are currently scheduled. With Nathan Cleverly, Kevin Mitchell, Danny Williams featuring in title action plus an Olympic Gold medallist as well as World Amateur champion & several of the top prospects..
In one of the three headline bouts Wales Nathan Cleverly 18-0(8) attempt to add the vacant European Light Heavyweight crown his British & Commonwealth titles. He will square off with the tough experienced Italian Antonio Brancalion 32-7-2(8).
It promises to be another step up in class for Maths student Cleverly who will be looking to take the title just days before his 23 birthday. The fight was originally due to take place in Italy as Brancalion’s backers had won the purse bid but when the proposed date fell through the fight was added to this already impressive bill.
Cleverly told Frankwarrentv “I’m really excited about this fight because it’s a step up. In 2008 i won the Commonwealth title, in 2009 it was the British and in 2010 hopefully it’ll be the European”
For his part Brancalion 33, will be hoping it’s third time lucky having come up short for the same title against Stipe Drews on points 2006 & in his last fight in June 2009 when he was stopped in one by Juergen Braehmer. Interestingly both Drews & Braemher soon after went onto win world titles.
Popular local Kevin “The Dagenham Destroyer” Mitchell 30-0(22) will be looking to build on his emphatic win over former Amir Khan conqueror Breidis Prescott when he makes the first defence of the WBO Inter Continental Lightweight title against dangerous Columbian Ignacio Mendoza 27-5-2(18).
For Eastender Mitchell it’s a chance to keep busy and maintain his lofty place as WBO number one contender and hopefully get a title opportunity before the years out against either modern day great Juan Manuel Marquez who maintains the honour of full champion though he seems likely to look else where leaving Interim holder Michael Katsidis who is no stranger to a British ring as a very possible future foe for Mitchell.
Mendoza has once previously fought on British shours when he lost an eighth round technical decision to current British Lightweight champion John Murray back in 2005.
In what could be a changing of the guard fight between two Londoners. Danny “The Brixton Bomber” Williams 41-8(31) makes a defence of his British Heavyweight crown against Derek “Del Boy” Chisora 11-0(6).
This fight was originally due last summer before Chisora inexplicably bit Paul Butlin and received a ban that meant the fight was cancelled. However when Sam Sexton pulled out Chisora stepped up to the mantle.
Williams who at 36 is 10 years older than his opponent came up with an amusing anecdote when he told franwarrentv ” Chisora has got a repuation as a bit of a biter, but then so did Mike Tyson and look what happened to him”
Williams has already said that no matter what the result this will be his last fight before he retires. Maybe Williams has one last chapter to add to a storied career that has seen him win British & Commonwealth titles, stun the world when he KO’d Mike Tyson and fight Vitali Klitschko for the WBC Heavyweight title.
The rest of the undercard is made up of 2007 World Championship winner “Funtime” Frankie Gavin who’ll be looking to take improve his 5-0(5) record against grizzled vet Peter McDonagh 14-15(2) who has only been stopped once in those loses & is less than a year from having fought Lenny Daws for the British title.
2008 Olympic Gold medallist James “Chunky” Degale 5-0(3) also gets his 2010 campaign off and running with his first fight in his home town when he takes on Matthew Barr 14-5(6).
Also returning to action are the 3 Walsh Brothers. Liam 6-0(5) fights at Lightweight, while twin brother Ryan 8-0(3) see’s action down at Featherweight. Leaving elder brother Michael 6-0(6) a former ABA champion to fight at super Bantamweight. Opponents will be announced nearer the time.
Kevin Mitchell’s younger brother 22 year old Vinny 11-0(2) rounds out the show at Super Featherweight. No opponent is know as yet.
Ticket are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150.
They are available at 0871 220 0260 www.seetickets.com & from the venue 0844 815 0815 www.wembleyarena.co.uk.
